“Girl, you two should’ve always been together. I don’t know what you were thinking then or now. Don’t mess this up a second time, Kayla. Something brought you back here. Maybe it’s time for the two of you to get together. He’s a good man. Don’t fuck him over.”
“I know. I just don’t know if I can stay here forever. Is it fair for me to ask him to give up his life here?”
“He’s not tied here. His business is just as flexible as yours. Maybe more so.”
“I guess. We’ll have to talk about it. Maybe we’ll start tonight.”
“That’s my girl.”
As they walked out of the diner, Kayla thanked Cat for meeting her for lunch, and promised to be in touch.
Kayla made her way back to the apartment to work, then got ready for dinner with her family. Her feet were thankful to be out of the heels, and her body welcomed the jeans and soft t-shirt. Emails, texts, and phone calls were how she spent her afternoon. Before she headed to dinner, she sent a text to Mitch.
Mak: Hey handsome. What ya been doing today?
Mitch: Mending fences with Evan.
Mak: Your brother? He’s here? Do you need to cancel tonight?
Mitch: Hell no! We need to talk.
Mak: Okay. I’ll call when I’m leaving my folks.
Mitch: Have fun. I’ll talk to you soon. Be careful.
Be careful? Funny, that’s the last thing her dad said when she announced she was seeing Mitch. Those thoughts had her on edge. When she opened the door to leave, she looked to the right and left before she stepped outside. As she turned and locked the door to the apartment, the hairs on her arms and neck prickled. She didn’t like that feeling, but continued walking down the stairs to her car. As soon as she was beside her car, she saw the long key scratch down the side of it. What in the bloody hell! She called 9-1-1 to report it even though she knew no one would do anything, but it had her more than a little shaken. She hung up and called Thomas to let him know she would be late for dinner. Since she didn’t want to upset her parents, her brother was the better option.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey. I’m going to be late for dinner. There’s been an incident.”
“What do you mean incident? Where are you?”
“I’m in the parking lot of Mitch’s apartments. Someone keyed my car so I’m waiting for the police now.”
“Do you need me to come up there with you?”
“I don’t know. Let’s see who they send first.”
“Kayla, I’m on my way. Stay on the phone with me until the officer gets there. Let me know who they send.”
“Okay. I’m a little uneasy, Thomas. I’ve got to tell you what’s happened since I saw you yesterday.”
“I don’t like the sound of that. Please tell me that’s not Curtis’ voice I hear.”
“It is. Please hurry.”
Chief Curtis Taylor talked into his radio, letting dispatch know that he just arrived at the scene of the call. As he walked up to Kayla, he had this sinister grin on his face. The look made her stomach roll, and she thought she was going to be sick.
“So we meet again, Ms. Gregory. What seems to be the problem? Or are you just trying to get me closer to that apartment? You don’t have to make it look like official police business. You can just call me. Here’s my card. It has my direct cell number on it. That way it can stay just between us, and I know what I’d like between us.”
“Chief Taylor, are you trying to make my sister uncomfortable? I do believe sexual harassment doesn’t have to be physical, it can be verbal as well,” Thomas’ deep voice sounded like music to her ears.
“Oh, thank God,” she said under my breath.
The grin on Curtis’ face morphed into a snarl. “Thomas, I was just asking your sister what her problem is and handing her my card. Now that you’re here, she can show both of us.”
Kayla made sure Thomas stayed between her and Curtis. She didn’t want to be anywhere near that man. They walked over to her vehicle, and she pointed to the long scratch down the side of it. “Someone took a key to my car. That’s vandalism, and I want to report it.”
“Ah, I see. Well, okay. It’s a lot of paperwork, and you know it’s probably just a bunch of kids playing around. You know nothing’s going to come of it.”
“I still want it on the record, Chief, if it’s not too much to ask.”
He walked back to his patrol car as he talked into his radio. She couldn’t understand what he was saying since his back was to them. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Thomas looking at her arms wrapped around her body. “Are you okay? You look like you’re wound a little tight.”
“Not here. I’ll tell you later,” she said when she looked up at her brother. His frown said it all. “So, are we starting that fence tomorrow? Do we need extra hands?”
“Yeah. If you know where we can find extra hands, bring them.”
“I know Mitch’ll help. Evan’s in town too. I’ll text Cat.”
“Catherine? Are you sure?”
“Yes, and it’ll give you all day to work up the nerve to ask her out.”
“Mind your own business, Kayla.”
Curtis came back and told her he’d need her driver’s license and registration because he needed to make sure she hadn’t stolen the vehicle. His sinister grin was back and she knew he was making it difficult for her on purpose. She gave him what he’d asked for and filed the report. When he was done, he returned her documents and gave her a copy of the report. She made a mental note to call the next day to verify the report was indeed filed.
Thomas followed her to their parents’ house. Kayla sent Cat a text to let her know about tomorrow before going inside. Within a few seconds, she received an “I’ll be there” response. Before they sat down to dinner, Thomas turned on some music which had become their custom. It was a little loud for dinner conversation, but it served its purpose. She recapped everything that had happened since she left them the day before.
“Baby girl, I’m so sorry I asked you to come here,” her mother started.
“I told you to be careful,” her dad chimed in.
“It’s not your fault. Who knew they were watching me. Who knew I was in town until this morning? I didn’t talk to anyone but y’all and Mitch.”
“Kayla...” her Dad’s voice trailed off. The look in her mother’s eyes slayed her.
“I’ve talked to him. He isn’t behind it, but is willing to ask around. When we saw each other last night, we were in front of the bar with people staring at us. He said we needed to talk. He promised me he’d talk to me first and make you an offer if he ever wanted the property, which he assured me he doesn’t.”
“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” Thomas asked.
“He’s never lied to me before. Why would he start now? Look, I have the name of an investment group that’s buying up property around here. I’m going to discuss it with him tonight after dinner, and I know he’ll come with me tomorrow. Please don’t be rude to him. Please.”
They finished dessert and cleaned up before Kayla left to meet Mitchell. She kissed everyone goodbye and turned toward her car. As soon as she started out of the driveway, she called him.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, handsome.”
“You on your way back?”
“Yes, I just left.”
“I’m here, waiting on you.”
“I’ll see you in a few.”
Within minutes she pulled into the parking lot. Since there were only a few apartments, it didn’t take her long to park. She turned the corner and walked toward the side entrance. There was no mistaking the build of the man walking toward her…Mitch. A smile spread across her face and her pace picked up. The look on his face was terror as he barreled toward her at full speed.
4
All Mitchell saw were headlights rapidly moving straight toward Mak. He took off at a full sprint and plowed into her like the players he used to tackle when he played football. He w
rapped his arms around her middle, lifted her off her feet, and planted her into the ground. He knew he’d knocked the breath out of her, but that was better than seeing her get run over by a car. Mitchell took his phone out and snapped a picture as they slowed to turn at the intersection. Even though he knew it had happened quickly, everything seemed to be in slow motion.
When he returned his focus to Mak, his hands ran up and down her body trying to find blood or protruding bones. She was trying to take a breath to get the air back into her lungs, and he knew that hurt. When he finally heard her take a normal breath, he looked her in the eyes. He couldn’t mask the feelings running through him anymore.
“So when did the Welcome Committee change tactics? ‘Cause right now, I’m feeling unwelcome,” she said softly.
“Dammit! Mak, right now isn’t the time for jokes. You’ve been here all of, what…twenty-four hours and someone is trying to run you over?” He was trying not to yell because they were still on the ground and a few people were starting to gather on the corner.
“Well, I’d say my first unwelcomed guest showed up less than twelve hours after my arrival.”
“What unwelcomed guest? You haven’t said anything about an unwelcomed guest, Makayla.” Mitchell only used her full name when he was pissed, and he was starting to get very pissed.
“You’re using my full name. Sounds like I’m in trouble. Can we go somewhere else to talk?”
“Can you walk? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“No. I’ll be sore from being tackled, but other than that I’m okay.”
Mitchell stood and reached his hand down to help her up. “God, Mak. What if I hadn’t been here?” He put his arm around her and cuddled her to him. She put her arm around his waist and did the same. As soon as they got to the apartment, he was eager to hear what she had to say. “Okay. Start talking.”
“Can we sit? You need to promise me you’ll stay calm.”
“If I need to promise that, then I can guarantee I won’t.”
“Mitch, please.”
He took a deep breath in and let out a slow sigh. “I’ll try. That’s the best I can do right now.”
“Alright. After you left me last night, I took a bath in the tub. It’s fantastic, by the way.” She looked at him, and saw frustration all over his face. He couldn’t hide it, so he didn’t even try. “Anyway, I started to doze a little in the tub when someone started banging on the door. It startled me, but I got out of the tub and went to the door. I didn’t see anyone through the peephole and the chain was latched, so I opened the door. Still, nobody. So I unhooked the chain and opened the door. That’s when I saw headlights pointing toward the door. When I faced them, the driver put on the high beams. I shielded my eyes to see what kind of car it was, but only had one free hand since I was holding my towel. That’s when they spun the car’s tires and drove off.” At this point, Mitchell was sure smoke was coming out of his ears.
“You did what? Have you lost your fucking mind? Dammit, Makayla!” He raked his fingers through his hair and fisted them on the back of his head. He pulled his hair to vent his anger, then drug his hands down his face. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“Well, yeah. This is the first time I’ve seen you today.”
“Then, by all means, tell me everything. And when you’re done, you’re going to listen to me. And Makayla, I’m all out of calm.”
“Then maybe I shouldn’t say anything else.”
“Mak…”
“Fine. Curtis said some things to me today that were beyond disgusting, I discovered that an out-of-town company named Masterson Investments is interested in my family’s property, and someone keyed my car. I think that about covers it. Oh, my family is putting up a privacy fence tomorrow and needs some help. I told them I’d ask you, Evan, and Cat. Yep, that’s my day.”
“Did you see Cat today?”
“Yes, we had lunch. She said Dick is hanging around some scary guys that aren’t from around here.
“So there was more to your day.”
“Mitch, why are you so mad?”
“Seriously? I just witnessed you, you, almost get run over, and now you’re telling me that someone knows exactly where you’re staying, and you opened the fucking door in a towel!” He knew his voice was anything but calm. Hell, the neighbors were probably getting an earful. “Mak, for my sanity and your safety, you’re coming to the ranch with me. There’s more we need to talk about, but the drive will at least give me a chance to calm down.”
“Do you think that’s necessary? Can’t you just stay here with me?”
“There’s bourbon there, and I think I need a drink right now.” That’s about as jovial as he was going to get for a while. He tried to smile at her, but failed miserably.
“Okay,” she said quietly. “I know I don’t want to be alone.”
“Thank you. Now go pack. I’ll call Jimmy to tow your SUV to his shop and look it over. At this point, I don’t trust that someone hasn’t messed with it.”
“You think someone may be trying to kill me?”
“Hell, Mak, someone just did.”
He watched as the realization came into her eyes. She started to shake violently so he pulled her into his arms and held her. He kissed her temple as he ran his hands up and down her back. “I’m here now. You’re going to be fine. Do you need me to help gather your things?”
She shook her head. “Will you sit with me while I pack, though?”
“You got it, sweetheart. I won’t let you out of my sight.” She moved toward the bedroom but was still shaken up, so he followed her closely. As she pulled her clothes from the drawers, he grabbed her bag out of the closet and called Jimmy while she threw the few things she brought into it. He watched her closely as she moved to get her personal things out of the bathroom.
“You got Jimmy.”
“Hey, man. I need an SUV hauled from my apartment parking lot.”
Mitchell heard a woman giggling in the background. “I can be there in fifteen.”
“I need you here in three. And Jimmy, don’t tell her where you’re going.”
“Shit. Okay, man.”
He hung up and stood in the bedroom doorway when Mak came out of the bathroom. “You got everything?”
“I think so. I’m going to miss this bathroom though.”
“The one at the ranch is better. Jimmy is meeting us downstairs to tow your vehicle to his garage. It’s going to be hard for people not to notice a bright red SUV.”
“But I love red.”
“I know, sweetheart. I’m going to punch a hole in one of the tires to make it look like a legitimate tow, though.”
She let out a resigned sigh. “Fine.”
Mitchell already had Kayla in his truck when Jimmy rolled up five minutes later. “You’re late.”
“I know, man, but I couldn’t leave my woman in the state she was in when you called. Sorry, dude. Nobody’s worth the pain she’d put me through later.” Jimmy chuckled and shook his head. After he hooked up Kayla’s car, Mitchell walked with him to his driver’s side door.
“Jimmy, I need you to go through this car with a fine-toothed comb. Anything, and I mean anything is off, I want to know. And above all else, keep it quiet.”
“Sure, Mitchell. Want to tell me what’s going on? Why’s Kayla in town?”
“She’s visiting her folks for a few days and didn’t want to stay in a hotel. I’m letting her use one of my apartments.”
“You mean your apartment?”
“Did I say that?”
“No, but everyone knows that’s the only apartment that might be vacant.”
“Shit. People talking about it?”
“Yeah. People are talking about a lot.”
“Anything I need to know tonight?”
“Naw, man. People just speculatin’ on the two of you. If you’re the real reason she’s back.”
“Hmmm. Well, let them speculate. Thanks for this. I’ll talk
to you tomorrow.”
“G’night.”
When Mitchell got in the truck, Kayla asked, “Did I piss people off because I went to City Hall today or just because I’m in town?”
“I don’t know.”
He held her hand, but the twenty-minute drive to the ranch was silent. God, he knew she was already freaked out, but he wanted to put everything on the table tonight. He could’ve lost her, and right before his own damned eyes. After what Evan told him earlier, he was starting to wonder if someone was just using Kayla to get to him. They had a lot to talk about.
5
Kayla kept her eyes closed after Mitchell took her hand in the truck, but opened them when she felt him turn into the driveway at the ranch. The metal gate opened as they drove under the archway with the Double Rs cut into it. One R faced correctly and the other was the mirror image so that the loops of the Rs touched. Riverton Ranch. It was simple and masculine, just like Mitch and Evan.
“You don’t seem to be shaking as much. The adrenaline wearing off?” Mitchell asked.
“Your touch calms me. Always has,” she replied softly.
“Yeah, we’re going to talk about that, just not tonight.”
They pulled to the side door of the house. It was a rambling house. All one floor but seemed to go on forever. There used to be a picture of an aerial view of the house hanging in the main foyer; she guessed it was still there. From that view, the house was shaped like an X. Everyone had their own wing of the house, with one reserved for business and a guest room. She didn’t think Mitch or Evan had been in their parents’ wing since their mother passed away. Their father died when they were in high school. Kayla figured that’s why Evan stayed around as long as he did. He helped get Mitchell through school and kept the ranch going until his Mom could hire someone. When their mother died a few years ago, Evan left town. Kayla’s understanding was that he became a federal agent. She was curious to know why he was back and looked forward to catching up.
Unwelcomed Greeting: A Riverton Crossing Novel Page 3